The report "A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Anime Series and Movies: Trends and Highlights in 2024" offers an extensive overview of the anime landscape in 2024. It highlights significant anime series and movies, upcoming releases, and their cultural impacts. Detailed lists of the best anime series spanning various genres are provided, alongside beginner-friendly recommendations and notable upcoming premieres for the summer season. Additionally, the report examines the influence of streaming services on anime distribution, focusing on series like 'Dan Da Dan.' Significant changes in anime endings and their implications are discussed, with 'Attack on Titan' receiving particular attention for its revised conclusion. The cultural significance of anime in Japan and its global impact, including adaptations into other media formats like musicals, are also explored.
This section provides a detailed list of the best anime series recommended for 2024. Highlighting a variety of genres including shonen, slice of life, sports, and sci-fi, the list ensures that there is something for every anime enthusiast. The information is derived from multiple sources including a comprehensive guide and a ranking of shonen anime series. Each entry provides a brief description of the plot, the elements that make it unique, and why it is a must-watch in 2024.
1. Attack on Titan: Concluding its run, this series is essential for its heart-pounding action and deep exploration of morality. 2. Cowboy Bebop: Known for its 26-episode run, this classic is famed for its coolness, action, and jazz soundtrack. 3. Death Note: A psychological thriller where a high school student wields a deadly notebook, making it a must-watch for newcomers. 4. Delicious in Dungeon: A new fantasy series that combines adventure with culinary arts in an endearing fashion. 5. Demon Slayer: Renowned for its intense fight scenes and stunning animation, this series stands as the most popular anime currently. 6. Fate/Zero: Serving as a prequel, it dives into a battle royale for the mythical Holy Grail with legendary warriors. 7. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Rated highly, this series follows an elven mage on a journey of connection and friendship. 8. Fruits Basket: A heartfelt story about a girl who helps a cursed family, recommended in its 2019 remake form. 9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Celebrated for its blend of world-building, fantasy, and drama. 10. Haikyu: A sports anime that follows high school volleyball players, known for its intense matches and character development. 11. Hajime no Ippo: A boxing anime displaying the journey from trainee to contender, likened to Rocky. 12. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: An anthology series with supernatural elements and evolving story arcs. 13. Jujutsu Kaisen: Featuring thrilling fights and a magical storyline, it quickly became a popular series. 14. Mob Psycho 100: A shonen anime with a powerful psychic protagonist, featuring stunning animation and emotional depth. 15. Monster: A psychological thriller with a brain surgeon at its center, now available on Netflix. 16. Neon Genesis Evangelion: A deep, experimental series beyond its mecha battles, touching on mental health and loneliness. 17. Run with the Wind: Follows a down-on-his-luck runner and his beginners-turned-relay team in a touching series. 18. Steins;Gate: A compelling time travel narrative that evolves from a goofy adventure to a nail-biting drama. 19. Violet Evergarden: A powerful story following a former soldier’s emotional recovery through exploring letter writing. 20. Vinland Saga: A Norse mythology-based series intertwining personal vendettas with historical battles.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Lauded for its intricate plot and engaging characters, it explores redemption and morality. 2. Attack on Titan: Known for its gripping storyline and post-apocalyptic setting, it combines action with deep themes of survival. 3. One Piece: A swashbuckling adventure following Monkey D. Luffy and his quest for the legendary One Piece treasure. 4. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: An emotional tale exploring friendship, memory, and the passage of time. 5. Hunter x Hunter: Follows Gon on his adventurous journey to find his father, rich with world-building and complex characters. 6. Death Note: A psychological thriller about power and morality, centered on a student with a deadly notebook. 7. Dragon Ball Z: A timeless classic with iconic characters and epic battles centered around Goku and his journey. 8. Naruto: Shippuden: Chronicles Naruto’s journey and his enduring fight against numerous adversaries. 9. Haikyu!!: Explores the passion and determination of high school volleyball players aiming for greatness. 10. Gintama: Blends comedy, action, and sci-fi in a story about samurais and aliens. 11. Jujutsu Kaisen: Features Yuji Itadori’s battle against Cursed Spirits, blending supernatural action with character development. 12. Demon Slayer: Follows Tanjiro’s quest to avenge his family and save his sister, marked by stunning animation and battles. 13. Mob Psycho 100: Revolves around a powerful psychic boy managing his abilities and emotions. 14. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: An anthology with multiple parts focusing on different generations of the Joestar family. 15. Spy x Family: A thrilling blend of espionage, comedy, and family dynamics. 16. My Hero Academia: Chronicles Izuku Midoriya’s journey to becoming a hero, combining action with deep character arcs.
The landscape for beginner-friendly anime shows is vast, with several remarkable series that cater to newcomers by offering compelling stories and accessible content. Here are five recommended shows that are ideal for those new to anime, along with brief plot summaries and where to watch them: 1. **Cowboy Bebop**: Often ranked among the best animes of all time, Cowboy Bebop is a short series consisting of 26 episodes that melds sci-fi, Western, and gritty crime drama elements. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, it follows Spike Spiegel and his group of bounty hunters on their adventures. The series explores themes of existentialism and loneliness, enhanced by moody jazz music and high-octane fight scenes. Available for streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu. 2. **Fruits Basket**: A staple of the shoujo genre, Fruits Basket tells the heartfelt story of Tohru Honda, a high school student who becomes entwined with the mysterious Sohma family after the death of her mother. The series involves friendship, romance, and supernatural elements as Tohru works to break a family curse. The 2019 reboot is highly praised. You can watch it on Crunchyroll or Hulu, or purchase it on Prime Video. 3. **Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood**: This steampunk dark fantasy series follows brothers Ed and Al Elric, who suffer immense physical losses after a failed alchemical experiment to revive their mother. Their journey to learn more about alchemy and restore their bodies is filled with intense fight scenes and political intrigue. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is essential viewing for many anime fans and is available on Hulu and Crunchyroll. 4. **Steins;Gate**: A must-watch for sci-fi fans, Steins;Gate focuses on a college student who discovers a way to send messages back in time, leading to significant and unintended consequences. The series is known for its emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative, akin to sci-fi staples like Doctor Who. It is available on Hulu and Crunchyroll. 5. **Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun**: For a lighter and comedic option, Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun depicts the humorous misadventures of a high school girl who confesses her love to a guy only to become his assistant in creating shoujo comics. The series is short, with just 12 episodes, and is known for its witty humor and charming characters. It can be watched on HIDIVE via Prime Video and Crunchyroll, and is also available for purchase on Apple TV Plus.
As we approach the summer 2024 anime season, there are numerous upcoming premieres and returning series to look forward to. This season, running from July through September, promises a diverse array of genres catering to different tastes. Significant additions include reboots of classics, historical epics, action fantasies, continuing seasons of popular series, and new adaptations.
This summer, anime enthusiasts can expect fresh content including: - **Suicide Squad Isekai**: Premiering on June 27 and available on Max and Hulu, this series by Wit Studio features the Suicide Squad transported into a fantasy universe on a mission to return to their dimension. - **Dungeon People**: Starting on July 6 on HIDIVE, this anime is based on Sui Futami’s manga, centered on a warrior named Clay exploring a dungeon to rescue her father. - **Grendizer U**: Scheduled for July 6, this reboot of Go Nagai’s 1975 manga involves a giant robot defending Earth from alien invaders. - **The Elusive Samurai**: Also premiering on July 6, this historical epic follows Hojo Tokiyuki fleeing after his family is overthrown, aiming to reclaim his destiny as Japan's ruler.
Several beloved series are returning with new seasons, contributing to the excitement this summer: - **Oshi no Ko Season 2**: Premiering on July 3 on HIDIVE, this supernatural drama continues the story of two reincarnated characters seeking revenge for their murdered mother. - **Tower of God Season 2**: Available from July 7 on Crunchyroll, the new season follows Ja Wangnan's journey within the mysterious Tower. - **Nier: Automata Ver1.1a Season 2**: Starting on July 5, this adaptation of the popular RPG hopes to continue without the delays experienced in its first season.
Additional anime releases include: - **Too Many Losing Heroines!**: Premiering on July 14, this romantic comedy follows a high schooler helping heartbroken girls find love. - **Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc**: Set for July 14, this series celebrates Kinnikuman's 40th anniversary, continuing the story of the clumsy superhero wrestler. - **T・P BON (Time Patrol Bon) Season 2**: Available from July 17 on Netflix, this series involves time-traveling heroes saving lives across eras. - **Terminator: Zero**: Highly anticipated and arriving on August 29 on Netflix, this series set in the Terminator universe follows a soldier traveling back in time to protect an AI creator.
After what’s felt like a never-ending final season, Attack on Titan, the mega-popular shonen anime series, finally concluded on November 4 on Crunchyroll and Hulu. Unlike the manga it’s based on, which had a controversial ending that split its fandom, the anime made a critical change. The manga ended with a line where Armin thanks Eren for turning himself into a mass murderer for their sake, which was seen as absolving Eren’s atrocities. In contrast, the anime has Armin telling Eren, 'We’ll be together. In hell,' holding Eren accountable for his actions. This change transforms Eren from a character who could be seen as a martyr to one who faces eternal condemnation, aligning more closely with the creator Hajime Isayama’s intent. Isayama clarified that the original line was meant to show joint responsibility rather than absolution, but felt restricted by his initial vision of the ending. The anime's alteration addresses this by emphasizing accountability. The change has been generally received positively, with the anime's version considered an improvement. The final message conveyed with Eren and Armin’s conversation resonates more effectively with fans and critics who criticized the manga’s ending. The revised ending reflects a deeper understanding of the consequences of Eren’s actions, presenting a more profound narrative resolution.
The Japanese anime 'Dan Da Dan' will be available on both Netflix and Crunchyroll. Netflix has secured the global streaming rights, allowing users worldwide access to the series. Meanwhile, Crunchyroll will simulcast the episodes everywhere except in Asia as they are released in Japan. Additionally, Muse, an anime distributor based in Taiwan, has obtained the rights for streaming in Asia. The anime is adapted from the manga of the same name by Yukinobu Tatsu and will be directed by Fuga Yamashiro, known for his role as assistant director on 'Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!' and 'Tatami Time Machine Blues'. The script is penned by Hiroshi Seko, who has worked on 'Attack on Titan Final Season' and 'Jujutsu Kaisen'. The animation studio behind the series is Science Saru, notable for their work on 'Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!', 'Devilman crybaby', 'Star Wars: Visions', and 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off'.
Japanese anime, often considered the country's third-largest industry, brings in nearly twenty billion dollars annually. It encompasses a significant cultural force in Japan, visible in various facets such as advertising, branding, and entertainment, and represents a substantial percentage of the country's highest-grossing movies and DVD sales. For example, six of the ten highest-grossing movies in Japan from 2014 to 2016 were anime, with 'Spirited Away' remaining the biggest-selling film in the country. Anime's influence extends globally, making up sixty percent of all animated television shows worldwide. Its popularity in regions such as the West and China is bolstered by channels and streaming services such as Cartoon Network's Adult Swim and Toonami, Crunchyroll, and Funimation. Anecdotally, America's annual anime convention attracts over one hundred thousand attendees. The cultural roots of anime are deeply entrenched in Japan's history and reflect a hybrid of traditional and modern influences. Anime evolved out of traditional Japanese manga, which merged native art styles with Western comic formats during Japan's modernization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This cultural amalgamation highlights Japan's transition from feudal isolation to a significant global economic force. For instance, Osamu Tezuka's work, such as 'Astro Boy,' incorporates themes resonant with Japan's post-WWII experiences. Anime functions as a reflection of various facets of Japanese life, from family dynamics and social interactions to corporate hierarchies. For example, 'Spirited Away' examines work awareness and family structures, while 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' delves into father-son relationships and adolescent confusion within a Mecha universe context. Moreover, the popularity of genres like Mecha, which includes series like 'Gundam' and 'Evangelion,' signifies anime's emotional and narrative depth, distinguishing it from Western animations. Overall, anime is not just a cultural product but an extensive global phenomenon that encapsulates and conveys various aspects of Japanese culture, offering significant insights into the country's traditions, societal concerns, and modernization challenges.
The 'Attack on Titan' musical, a Japanese play based on the fantasy horror manga by Hajime Isayama, is making its international debut in New York City. This event is significant as it marks a rare instance of anime being adapted into a different medium and showcased on an international stage. The musical originally premiered in Osaka and Tokyo. According to the announcement by Crunchyroll, it will be performed at the New York City Center from October 11-13th, in Japanese with English subtitles. Presale tickets are currently available through Crunchyroll, and general tickets went on sale on June 3rd. Directed by Go Ueki with a stageplay by Masafumi Hata, music by KEN THE 390, and lyrics by Kaori Miura, the musical offers a fresh interpretation of the well-known series. The original manga ran for 34 volumes from 2009 to 2021, selling over 140 million copies worldwide and translated into 18 different languages. The series has been previously adapted into light novels, spinoffs, video games, a critically panned live-action film, and an acclaimed anime adaptation. Creator Hajime Isayama expressed his awe at seeing his work adapted to theater and believes that the musical format powerfully conveys the story of 'Attack on Titan'.
Bubble is a visually stunning anime movie directed by Tetsuro Araki and produced by Wit Studio. Released in 2022, this Netflix project is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Unique gravity-defying bubbles facilitate parkour-like competitions among children. While the film emphasizes action over a deep narrative, it delivers an inspirational message about independence and humanity.
One Piece Film: Red, released in 2022 and available on Netflix, is a standout title in the One Piece franchise. Directed by Goro Taniguchi, this movie distinguishes itself due to the direct involvement of the series creator, Eiichiro Oda. Set on the Island of Music, the film's narrative centers around Uta’s concert, providing a visually impressive and musically rich experience. It is accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers and ranks as the seventh-highest-grossing Japanese movie of all time.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel to the popular Jujutsu Kaisen anime series. Released in 2021 and available on Crunchyroll, the movie focuses on Yuta Okkotsu and his journey to control the Cursed Spirit of Rika Orimoto. Studio MAPPA's animation work brings intense battle sequences to life, while rich storytelling and character development appeal to both new and existing fans.
The First Slam Dunk, a CG animated movie, revisits the popular 1990s basketball anime series, Slam Dunk. Released in 2022, the film captures a single basketball match in great detail, showcasing thrilling choreography and compelling characters. Though not currently available on streaming platforms, it stands out for its emotional narrative and engaging sports action.
The Boy and the Heron, potentially Hayao Miyazaki's final film, was released in 2023 and is available on Prime Video. This semi-autobiographical fantasy explores themes of grief, family, and growth through the eyes of a young boy named Mahito. Studio Ghibli's vibrant visuals bring the narrative to life, offering a contemplative experience that evolves with each viewing.
Belle, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, was released in 2021 and is available on Max. The movie reimagines the classic Beauty and the Beast tale in a virtual world setting. It follows high school student Suzu Naito who becomes a digital singing sensation. Belle explores the themes of digital identities and limitless freedom, featuring impressive visuals that benefit from its IMAX release.
Inu-Oh, directed by Masaaki Yuasa, is a 2021 animated rock opera set in 14th-century Japan. Streaming on Hulu, the film tells the story of a cursed dancer and a blind musician who overcome their adversities through stunning musical performances. The movie is celebrated for its historical recreation and Yuasa's distinctive visual style.
Gintama: The Final, released in 2021 and available on Crunchyroll, serves as the concluding chapter of the long-running Gintama series. It follows the Odd Jobs crew in an epic battle to prevent the world's end. The film balances samurai action, science fiction elements, and comedy, providing a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the series.
Rebuild of Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time, released in 2021 and available on Prime Video, offers a complex and hopeful conclusion to the Evangelion saga. Directed by Hideaki Anno, the movie delves into Shinji Ikari's internal and external conflicts, culminating in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant finale, distinguishing itself from the series' earlier dark themes.
Suzume, directed by Makoto Shinkai and released in 2022, is available on Crunchyroll. The film follows a teenager, Suzume, as she works to seal supernatural doors to prevent disasters across Japan. Featuring breathtaking visuals and heartfelt storytelling, Suzume is both a thrilling adventure and a poignant exploration of humanity's relationship with nature.
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, has maintained its popularity for nearly four decades. Even with an 18-year gap between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, it remains hugely popular in Japan and the West. At its peak, Dragon Ball is celebrated for its compelling storylines, memorable villains, and thrilling action scenes, making it one of the most important anime series ever made. MyAnimeList Score: 8.17.
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, took longer to gain traction in the West but has since captivated audiences consistently. It holds a Guinness World Record for the highest number of copies published by a single author and was the best-selling manga for eleven consecutive years from 2008 to 2018. The anime adaptation has remained faithful to the source material with only minor deviations. MyAnimeList Score: 8.71.
Hideaki Anno's Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most popular mecha anime series, featuring intricately crafted storylines and breathtaking battles. Despite its relatively short 26-episode run, it remains highly acclaimed today with various spin-offs and big-screen adaptations. MyAnimeList Score: 8.35.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is renowned for its faithfulness to the manga. Across its 64 episodes, it closely follows the original storyline and visual style. The relationship between Edward and Alphonse, alongside its intricate plot and unexpected twists, are highlights. MyAnimeList Score: 9.09.
Cowboy Bebop, a neo-noir sci-fi series, follows a group of bounty hunters in space. It blends multiple genres, contributing to its esteemed reputation among fans. Although not flawless, its impact on anime, manga, and Western media is significant. MyAnimeList Score: 8.75.
Pokemon made a monumental impact in the mid-to-late nineties, evolving from a marketing tool into one of the greatest series of all time. Over its quarter-century run, it has delved into diverse themes, offering viewers intriguing perspectives and life messages. MyAnimeList Score: 7.38.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure has proven to be as impressive as the manga series. Fans appreciated its transition to an anime adaptation, which introduced JoJo to a new generation. The series has covered the first six parts of the manga, with two more seasons anticipated. MyAnimeList Score: 7.88.
Based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga, Naruto: Shippuden explores various themes and chronicles a young boy's journey to become the leader of his village. The series spans 220 episodes, followed by Boruto, which continues Naruto's legacy. MyAnimeList Score: 8.26.
Death Note is known for its accessible plot and captivating characters, especially the intellectual battle between Light and L. It's often recommended for newcomers exploring anime for the first time. MyAnimeList Score: 8.62.
Demon Slayer has generated around $10 billion in revenue within six years since its creation. Its compelling plot, intriguing characters, and outstanding animation contribute to its critical and commercial success. MyAnimeList Score: 8.48.
Slam Dunk follows high school delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi, who discovers his basketball talent and aims to elevate his team's standing. It remains a well-crafted series for sports anime enthusiasts. MyAnimeList Score: 8.55.
Attack on Titan revolves around Eren Jaeger's vow to eradicate Titans in a world overrun by the giant creatures. With a compelling cast and complex plot, it remains highly acclaimed. MyAnimeList Score: 9.05.
Steins;Gate is a psychological thriller following Rintaro and Kurisu. Adapted from a popular visual novel, it is praised for its faithful storyline and nearly flawless ratings. MyAnimeList Score: 9.07.
Vinland Saga follows Icelandic explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni on a journey delving into themes like slavery and betrayal. It's primarily a story of Thorfinn's personal growth. MyAnimeList Score: 8.80.
Fruits Basket revolves around Tohru, a young orphan, and the enigmatic Sohma family. Its blend of romance and drama solidify it as one of the finest shojo anime series. MyAnimeList Score: 8.99.
The report underscores the dynamic and diverse offerings of anime in 2024, illustrating how series like 'Attack on Titan' and 'Dan Da Dan' are shaping the industry. The analysis highlights key trends such as significant narrative revisions and the global reach of anime through collaborations with streaming platforms. The adaptation of anime into new formats, exemplified by the 'Attack on Titan' musical, reflects its broad cultural influence. While the report provides a detailed snapshot, ongoing engagement with the anime community and industry developments will be essential for a deeper understanding of anime’s evolving landscape. Future prospects include further integration of traditional and digital media, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and cultural resonance, as seen with the works from studios like Science Saru and Studio Ghibli.
A widely acclaimed anime series that features humanity's battle against gigantic beings known as Titans. Its rewritten ending in the anime adaptation adds depth to the protagonist's character arc, providing significant analysis within the report. Additionally, the series' adaptation into a musical exemplifies its broad cultural influence.
An upcoming anime series based on Yukinobu Tatsu's manga, streaming on platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll. The series' production and distribution details are crucial to understanding international streaming trends in the anime industry.
A prominent anime production studio known for its critically acclaimed works such as Eizouken! and Devilman crybaby. Their involvement in producing 'Dan Da Dan' reflects their ongoing impact on the anime landscape.
The creator of the manga series 'Attack on Titan'. His creative decisions, including the rewritten anime ending, are significant in understanding the narrative depth and progression of the series.
A legendary studio known for creating iconic films that have shaped the animation industry globally. Their works, including 'Spirited Away' and other influential titles, are highlighted in the discussion of anime's cultural context.